Insurance Coverage for Aftermarket Bumpers

Has anyone had issues with their insurance company for having installed aftermarket bumpers on their tacoma. My concern is that if I were to get in an accident whether it be my fault or not the insurance would try to use fact that the vehicle is modified to not cover my damages? Any one ever have issues

 

As someone on the "other side of the desk" it's insurance's responsibility to return the vehicle to pre-accident condition. If you've got an aftermarket bumper on it, then that's what needs to be replaced in the event of a collision.
That being said, I wouldn't put it past some insurance companies to try and wiggle their way out of it
-ahem State Farm ahem-

 

I would call your insurance and ask... have peace of mind with a simple phone call

 

I have State Farm I will have to give my agent a call and check it out

 

They might not be that bad down there, but in Canada they were always playing games like that

 

Most of the time insurance companies have coverage for those extra items (costs extra depending on the amount of aftermarket stuff). I had to up mine to cover the tonneau cover, NFAB steps, aftermarket radio, and wet okele's (in case of total loss). They paid for everything that wasn't easily removable/transportable when my truck was totaled. Only thing I kept off it was the weathertechs and seat covers.

 

I have USAA and they cover up to $5,000 in aftermarket parts automatically. It mentioned if you have over $5,000 in parts to call them about additional coverage.

 

I just had a Tacoma rebuilt after at went straight into a tree. Had a pelfrey aluminum bumper on it. State farm was great. Got in contact with Mike. Ordered a replacement and pelfrey handled it

 

I do know that in the sports car world you better have declared pricey add ons if you expect them to be covered, at least with most major carriers.

Don't know why a truck would differ.

Don't take your answer from us. Call your agent.

 

That's awesome to here. I will speak to my agent

 

Yeah just talk to them. I have seen 3 trucks get claimed by statefarm. All Tacoma. All with after market parts. They did solid I'm every case imo

 

When I had my custom built bumper on my Jeep they wouldn't cover it if I was at fault unless I asked for additional coverage and listed it as a modification and shot my premium way up as they deemed is an aesthetic mod and not a functional component. But If I were not at fault I could collect for damages to it.

Every insurance company is different though so best to call your agent and find out.

 

Someone rear ended me last year and made a dent on my All Pro bumper, since it was their fault, their insurance paid for a brand new bumper for me.

We both had Farmers

 

Haven't had to use them yet but when I talked to my agent (State Farm), they said no problems covering the armor / extras on my truck if my truck was hit/stolen.

The other aspect which I've spent time thinking about and I don't know how it would play out is if you were in an accident and rear ended someone (you were at fault) and obviously the increased damage to the other car from a plate bumper is greater than a "typical" rear end, could the other dudes insurance go after you for having an "offroad only" modification done to your truck and then in turn would your own insurance cover you or say nope too bad??? Don't know the answer to this. I do know the only DOT approved / airbag compliant bumper on the market is the ARB though.

 

Interesting.

 

As my agent put it: "we wont cover a wing on a minivan if you break it, but well help you get it fixed if someone else did." other than being offended that my jeep was compared to a minivan i went with it and saved my money and decided not to rear-end anyone in LA traffic.

 

Not the same but my stereo is listed on my insurance. I had to have it photographed both to show the components as well as that they are fastened in and therefore considered permanent. Learned that one when a buddy lost an expensive box to theft and he was denied as it was just in there loose

 

Yeah, I haven't been in an fender bender where I was at fault in a long long time (knock on wood) but despite your best efforts sometimes shit happens and it would be great if it were covered without having to pay crazy deductibles or riders.

 

Anytime you modify your car/truck, you should call the insurance company and chat. They most likely will not cover add-ons beyond the normal vehicle parts replacement. Things like a steel bumper most times cost less than the OEM one so that might not be an issue. Things like roof racks, sliders, light bars, etc... are extras that weren't there when you got it insured. Companies most often will argue that and not pay. Best advice like it was said is to call and be sure so you're not screwed later on.